The constant amount of movement on the Lions roster continued on Monday when it was surprisingly announced that Detroit had released wide receiver Az-Zahir Hakim. Hakim was originally signed after the first game of the season and had played fairly well since then. This was Hakim's second time as a Lions player and I really thought would last a while. Hakim fit in nicely with this offense and was a good third receiver.
Roy Williams and Mike Furrey are the obvious starters, but then that backup role was filled in by Az Hakim. It's important to have an experienced backup in the wide receiver position, and that's something that Hakim provided. Why exactly he was released is unknown as the only statement Matt Millen gave was that it was a football decision. This is good news for some of those other receivers farther down on the depth chart. Mike Williams, Eddie Drummond, and Devale Ellis all should see the field more now that Hakim is no longer on the roster.
This now leaves an empty spot on the roster that could be filled in a number of ways. Some speculation that Glenn Martinez will be signed from the practice squad has come about as he would be another receiver, but the more logical decision is that Teddy Lehman will be activated from the PUP list. Lehman is likely to return to the starting lineup this weekend against Atlanta, so that roster spot could in fact go to the linebacker. If, however, the Lions do want to add another receiver, then it is probably evident that Sean McHugh would be demoted back to the practice squad. McHugh was brought in to add some depth at fullback when Cory Schlesinger was injured against the Jets.
More info on the latest transactions will be posted when any new decisions are made.